HILLIARD, Ohio, Nov. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon customers in Akron are enjoying all of the benefits of America's most reliable network, according to the Metro RootScore® Report, conducted by Seattle-based RootMetrics.

Scores are based on RootMetrics testing performed from October 8 through October 12, 2015. The company evaluated all four U.S. wireless providers in six network performance categories: overall, reliability, speed, data, call, and text performance.

The results are in and Verizon won the Overall RootScore award in Akron, scoring 98.6, and also was ranked 1st in speed and data performance.

RootMetrics uses scientific methods to conduct their rigorous testing regimen, based on where people actually use their mobile devices. Using off-the-shelf, unaltered smartphones, RootMetrics staff drove nearly 800 miles and included 27 indoor locations to measure and analyze key performance indicators which provide an unbiased characterization of network attributes in and around the city of Akron.

"What makes a good test? An actual, scientific process that replicates real-world experience," said Nicola Palmer, senior vice president and chief network officer for Verizon Wireless. "That's why we test our own network so relentlessly and winning this RootMetrics award is so critical: it validates that our persistent focus on providing the best network translates into a real world, high-quality experience. People don't want to have to guess if their service will work or not – they want to do what they want, when they want, wherever they want."

"Reliability is paramount for a wireless network, and our ongoing investment in Akron and throughout the state of Ohio has always been focused on the customer," said John Granby—president, Great Lakes Market, Verizon Wireless. "This most recent study further confirms our continued commitment to deliver on our brand promise to provide our customers with the best network experience whether at home or on the road."

Verizon continues to enhance its network by deploying new technology such as small cells, distributed antenna systems as well as XLTE, which uses Verizon's AWS (Advanced Wireless Services) spectrum to double 4G LTE bandwidth in cities coast to coast, with faster peak speeds and greater capacity than before. This means that more wireless interactions can occur with more people in the same location, so more people can send photos, download videos, surf the internet, and use real-time navigation.

In 2014, Verizon invested more than $10 billion (nearly $360 million in Ohio alone) to improve and fortify its network which covers 98% of the U.S. population.

In August, Verizon's wireless network was also recognized by RootMetrics as outranking the competition with the most wins or ties by state in the first half of 2015, with 47 Overall Performance RootScore Awards, including the state of Ohio.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) employs a diverse workforce of 177,900 and generated more than $127 billion in 2014 revenues. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with 110.8 million retail connections nationwide. Headquartered in New York, Verizon also provides communications and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.verizon.com/news/.

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Network rankings based on RootMetrics Akron (October 2015) and 50 State (Jan-Jun 2015) RootScore Reports. Performance rankings of four mobile networks rely on scores calculated from random samples across all available network types. Your experiences may vary. The RootMetrics award is not an endorsement of Verizon. Visit www.rootmetrics.com for more details.